Caps for needleless connectors

ABSTRACT

An antiseptic cap and packaging for use with a connector are provided. The antiseptic cap includes a material containing an antiseptic solution. Upon application of the cap to the connector, the material compresses thereby releasing the antiseptic solution. Packaging of the antiseptic cap typically includes a cap holder and a lid. A user could remove the cap from the cap holder before applying it to a connector. Alternatively, the cap holder may be used to apply the cap to the connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/519,324 filed May 20, 2011, the entiredisclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to caps for cannula access devices, and,more particularly, to antiseptic caps for cannula access devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intravenous (IV) devices are widely used to administer fluids topatients. In an IV dispensing system, a catheter is commonly caped intocentral veins (such as the vena cana) from peripheral vein sites toprovide access to a patient's vascular system. The catheter could beconnected to an injection site, such as a needleless cannula accessdevice, which includes a split septum accessible by one end of a blunttip plastic cannula. The other end of the blunt cannula could beconnected to a fluid source, such as a conventional syringe or a fluidline in communication with a IV bag filled with fluid.

When the connectors are attached to each other, fluid from the fluidsource can flow into the patient. These connectors are often separatedfrom each other at various times, for example, when a patient needs touse the bathroom. When the connectors are disengaged from each other,the connectors are exposed and are prone to contamination. Currentprocedures to reduce contamination of the connectors involve swabbingthe connectors with a disinfecting pad. These procedures are prone tohuman error and are often not implemented. Also, antiseptic caps such asExcelsior's SWABCAP antiseptic cap are used to clean and cover accesspoints. However, when a cannula access device is disengaged from a bluntcannula, there is no standard manner in which to store the cannulaaccess device, and protect it, until it is reattached to the bluntcannula.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an antiseptic cap and packaging for usewith a connector. The antiseptic cap includes a material containing anantiseptic solution. Upon application of the cap to the connector, thematerial compresses thereby releasing the antiseptic solution. Packagingof the antiseptic cap typically comprises a cap holder and a lid. Insome embodiments a user could remove the cap from the cap holder beforeapplying it to a connector. In other embodiments the cap holder may beused to aid in application of the cap to the connector. A variety ofembodiments could be used to facilitate different types of connectors. Anumber of different types of caps can be used to assist with capapplication or removal.

In one embodiment, an antiseptic cap for a cannula access deviceincludes a sidewall defining a chamber, an undercut defining a channelformed in the sidewall, and a retention protrusion extending radiallyinwardly from an internal surface of the sidewall. The retentionprotrusion is sized to engage a surface of the cannula access device.The retention protrusion could contact a surface of the cannula accessdevice below the septum. A cap holder or a lid could be provided as partof an antiseptic cap assembly. The cap holder has a sidewall defining achamber sized to receive the antiseptic cap.

In another embodiment, an antiseptic cap assembly for a cannula accessdevice includes an antiseptic cap having a sidewall with an angledbottom surface having one end and an opposite end sloped with respect tothe one end. The one end is at a first horizontal level, and theopposite end is at a second horizontal level with respect to the firsthorizontal level.

Additionally, in another embodiment, an antiseptic cap assembly for acannula access device includes an antiseptic cap having a sidewall, anda ‘H’ clip with a first side portion, a second side portion, and a hingesection. The first side portion and the second side portion are sized topivot about the hinge portion.

In another embodiment, an antiseptic cap could include a first apertureand an absorbent material having a second aperture. The antiseptic capcould include a pin in communication with the first aperture and thesecond aperture, the pin having a tip.

In yet another embodiment, an antiseptic cap could include a sidewalland an undercut defining a channel formed in the sidewall, the capconfigured to engage a ‘Y’ connector injection site and a ‘T’ connectorinjection site. In another embodiment, an antiseptic cap could include asidewall and an angled bottom surface, the cap configured to engage a‘Y’ connector injection site and a ‘T’ connector injection site.

A method of cleaning and covering a cannula access device is provided.The method includes the steps of applying an antiseptic cap to a ‘Y’connector injection site, and allowing the antiseptic cap to remain onand cover the ‘Y’ connector injection site. The antiseptic cap has anantiseptic fluid therein. The antiseptic cap could be applied to othercannula access devices, such as a ‘T’ connector injection site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an antiseptic cap engaged to aninjection site according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the antiseptic cap of FIG. 1Aengaged to an injection site;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap engaged to an injection site, where the antiseptic caphas one channel;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an antiseptic cap of FIG. 2Aengaged to an injection site;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a cap assembly of thepresent invention, where an antiseptic cap and a cap holder each have anangled bottom surface;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the antiseptic cap of FIG. 3applied to an injection site;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the antiseptic cap of FIG. 3applied to the injection site, taken from the right side of the capshown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the antiseptic cap of FIG. 3applied to a ‘T’ connector injection site;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the antiseptic cap of FIG. 3applied to a ‘Y’ connector injection site;

FIG. 4E is cross-sectional view of the antiseptic cap and the cap holderof FIG. 3 applied to an injection manifold;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap assembly, where a cap holder has a generally planar topsurface;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap assembly, where a cap and a cap holder each have a bottomsurface comprising a flat portion and an angled portion;

FIG. 6B is cross-sectional view of the cap assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment ofthe cap assembly, where a cap comprises a compressible top portion;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 7A applied to aninjection site;

FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment ofthe cap assembly, where a cap has grip protrusions;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional assembled view of the cap assembly of FIG.8A;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 8A applied to aninjection site;

FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment ofthe cap assembly, where a cap has two channels;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional assembled view of the cap assembly of FIG.9A;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional assembled view of the cap assembly of FIG.9A from the right side of the cap shown in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment ofthe cap assembly, where a cap has two channels;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap, where an antiseptic cap has three channels;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11A applied to aninjection site, wherein the cap has retaining tabs that extend centrallywithin the cap;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap of FIG. 11A applied to an injection site, wherein a caphas retaining tabs that extend downwardly within the cap;

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11C applied to aninjection site;

FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap of FIG. 11A with annular gripping protrusions;

FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the cap of FIG. 11E;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap with a solid annular protrusion;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the cap of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is a side view showing another embodiment of the antiseptic capwith squeeze grips and two engagement protrusions;

FIG. 13B is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the cap of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a side view showing another embodiment of the antiseptic capwith squeeze grips;

FIG. 14B is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 14A showing threeengagement protrusions;

FIG. 14C is a perspective view of the cap of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the capassembly, wherein the cap holder includes bellows;

FIG. 15B is a side view of the cap holder and lid of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 15C is side view showing another embodiment of the cap assembly,wherein the cap holder includes a breakable portion;

FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap with an ‘H’ clip;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap with an ‘H’ clip and connecting segments in a relaxedconfiguration;

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the cap with an ‘H’ clip of FIG.17A when a force is applied to the ‘H’ clip in the direction of ArrowsA;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the capassembly, wherein the cap holder includes an upper cylindrical wall;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the capassembly, wherein the cap holder is used as an applicator;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a cap with an ‘H’ clip in a capholder, where the top portions of the ‘H’ clip are accessible;

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view of the cap and cap holder of FIG.19B.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the capassembly having an ‘H’ clip and a lid;

FIG. 20B is a bottom view of a cap and a lid of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap having a lower clip configuration;

FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the cap and the injection site ofFIG. 21A;

FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of anantiseptic cap with a plunger applied to an injection site;

FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 22A with theplunger fully engaged with the cap;

FIG. 23A is a side-view showing another embodiment of the antiseptic capwith a sliding ‘H’ clip;

FIG. 23B is a side-view of a cap with the sliding ‘H’ clip cap shown inFIG. 23A fully engaged with an injection site;

FIG. 23C is a side-view showing another embodiment of the antiseptic capwith a rotating ‘H’ clip applied to an injection site;

FIG. 23D is a partial cross-sectional view of the ‘H’ clip of the capshown in FIG. 23C;

FIG. 23E is a side-view showing another embodiment of the antiseptic capwith a rotating ‘H’ clip applied to an injection site, where the legsrotate in the same plane;

FIGS. 24A-24C are perspective views showing another embodiment of a capholder with a frangible element;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap with a snap-on ‘H’ clip; and

FIG. 26 is cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of theantiseptic cap with a ‘H’ clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1B are views of an antiseptic cap 10 engaged to an injectionsite 12. The injection site 12 could be a needleless cannula accessdevice. One type of a cannula access device is known as INTERLINK, whichis available from Baxter Healthcare Corp., based in Round Lake, Ill.Other types of cannula access devices are known as SAFELINE, which isavailable from B. Braun Medical Inc., based in Bethlehem, Pa. andLIFESHIELD, which is available from Hospira, Inc., based in Lake Forest,Ill.

The injection site 12 could be a conventional access connector, aconnector known as a ‘T’ injection site, a connector known as a ‘Y’ site14 (as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B), or a manifold which contains a pluralityof connectors. The ‘Y’ connector injection site 14 includes a main arm16, an angled branch 18 having one end 20 attached to the main arm 16 atan intersection 22, and a split septum 24 (FIG. 1B) accessible by oneend of a blunt tip plastic cannula (not shown). The other types ofinjection sites will be described hereinafter.

The antiseptic cap 10 has a generally cylindrically shaped sidewall 26that defines a chamber 28 sized to accommodate the injection site 12.The chamber 28 contains an antiseptic which could be carried by anabsorbent material, such as a sponge 30, positioned within the chamber28. Alternatively, the antiseptic cap 10 could be fully or partiallyformed of an adsorbent material. The sidewall 26 has an edge 32 thatdefines an open end. The antiseptic cap could include a substantiallyflat surface 34 that defines an opposite, closed end. The antiseptic capcould include a cylindrical groove 36 formed therein. The antiseptic cap10 could be made from a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thethermoplastic elastomer sold by ExxonMobil under the trademarkSantoprene, plastic, a plastic and thermoplastic elastomer combination,silicone, or any other suitable material.

The absorbent material could be made from foam, cotton, regeneratedcellulose, porous plastic, urethane, silicone, bonded fiber, plasticnon-woven, polyester, cellulose, or any other suitable material. Asuitable porous plastic is a medical grade sintered porous plastic,which is available from Porex Corporation, based in Fairburn, Ga. Othersuitable manufacturers of the porous plastic material include Filtrona,Genpore, and Thermopore. The porous plastic material could be made ofany suitable polymer, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, etc. Asuitable manufacturer of the bonded fiber material is Filtrona PorousTechnologies, based in Richmond, Va. It is desirable that the absorbentmaterial can retain a fluid such as a disinfectant. It is also desirablethat the absorbent material is compressible and that the absorbed fluidis released on compression. The absorbent material could be natural orsynthetic.

The absorbent material could be impregnated with an antiseptic fluid, ananticoagulant fluid, and/or an antimicrobial fluid. An example of asuitable antiseptic fluid is isopropyl alcohol. The concentration of theisopropyl alcohol could vary. It will be understood that other materialscould be used, such as other alcohols, including ethanol, propanol,and/or butanol, or iodine, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine,chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine acetate, silver, tricloscan, etc.The antiseptic, anticoagulant, and/or antimicrobial agent could be inliquid or solid form.

The use of the absorbent material is only exemplary. It will beunderstood that the absorbent material could be replaced with amaterial, which contains an antiseptic fluid, an anticoagulant fluid,and/or an antimicrobial fluid. Suitable materials include alcohols,including ethanol, propanol, isopropyl, and/or butanol, or iodine,hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidineacetate, silver, tricloscan, etc. It will also be understood that anantiseptic fluid, an anticoagulant fluid, and/or an antimicrobial fluidcould be applied directly to the antiseptic cap. For example, theantiseptic cap 10 could be made from an absorbent material, or theantiseptic cap 10 could be coated or impregnated with an antisepticfluid, an anticoagulant fluid, and/or an antimicrobial fluid.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the antiseptic cap 10 is shown attached to the ‘Y’connector injection site 14 such that the sidewall 26 is adjacent theintersection 22 between the main arm 16 and the angled branch 18. Inthis position, the sponge 30 is compressed between the substantiallyflat surface 34 of the antiseptic cap 10 and the septum 24, whichreleases at least a portion of the antiseptic fluid to disinfect thesurface of the septum 24 and areas adjacent to the septum 24. Theantiseptic cap 10 can be allowed to remain attached to the ‘Y’ connectorinjection site 14 for any suitable period of time where the antisepticcap 10 disinfects and protects the ‘Y’ connector injection site 14 untilthe next time the ‘Y’ connector injection site 14 is accessed. When theantiseptic cap 10 is attached to the ‘Y’ connector injection site 14,the septum 24 is exposed to the antiseptic fluid. Also, when theantiseptic cap 10 is engaged to the ‘Y’ connector injection site 14, theantiseptic cap 10 serves as a physical barrier from contamination. Theantiseptic cap 10 could be secured to the injection site 12 by vacuum oran interference fit. The antiseptic cap 10 could be configured withthreads (not shown).

Although the embodiment of the antiseptic cap 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B isengaged to a ‘Y’ connector injection site 14, it will be understood thatthe antiseptic cap 10 could engage other types of injection sites, aswill be described hereinafter.

FIGS. 2A-2B show another embodiment of an antiseptic cap, indicatedgenerally as 110, that is sized to engage and disinfect an injectionsite, such as the ‘Y’ connector injection site 14. The antiseptic cap110 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with theantiseptic cap 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, unless stated otherwise. Likethe antiseptic cap 10, the antiseptic cap 110 includes a sponge 130.

The antiseptic cap 110 could include an undercut 111 defining a channelformed in the generally cylindrical sidewall 126. The undercut 111allows the antiseptic cap 110 to clear the angled branch 18 of the ‘Y’connector injection site 14, as shown, or a ‘T’ connector injectionsite, thereby allowing additional areas below the septum 24 to bedisinfected and protected, relative to the areas of the ‘Y’ connectorinjection site 14 by the antiseptic cap 10 (FIGS. 1A-1B). In thisposition, the antiseptic cap 110 covers additional areas of the ‘Y’connector injection site 14 and is retained securely on the ‘Y’connector injection site 14. The antiseptic cap 110 could include anannular engagement protrusion 113 protruding internally from the edge132 of the generally cylindrical sidewall 126. The engagement protrusion113 can engage an exterior surface 15 of the ‘Y’ connector injectionsite 14 further securing the cap 110 thereto.

The sidewall 126 has one bottom end 135 and an opposite bottom end 137defined by the undercut 111. The one bottom end 135 is at a differentheight or horizontal level than the opposite bottom end 137. The onebottom end 135 of the sidewall 126 is sized to engage a surface of theinjection site 14 at a first horizontal level, and the opposite bottomend 137 is sized to engage another surface of the injection site 14 at asecond horizontal level with respect to the first horizontal level.

FIG. 3 shows a cap assembly 200 that includes another embodiment of anantiseptic cap, generally indicated as 210. The cap assembly includes acap holder 230 and the antiseptic cap 210 is sized to be positionedwithin the cap holder 230.

The cap holder 230 includes a sidewall 221 that defines a chamber 232sized to receive the antiseptic cap 210 therein. The cap holder 230could include a gripping area, such as a fin 234 extending from a topclosed surface 223 of the cap holder 230. In one embodiment, the fin 234is a vertical wall extending from a central surface of the top closedsurface 223 of the cap holder 230. The fin 234 is configured forgripping the cap holder 230 to facilitate attachment of the cap holder230 to the injection site 12. The cap holder 230 includes an annularflange 236 extending radially outwardly from a distal end 225 of thesidewall 221 and forming a bottom surface 238 of the cap holder 230. Theannular flange 236 defines an opening formed in the chamber 232. Theannular flange 236 can be angled such that one end 227 of the sidewall221 is sloped with respect to an opposite end 229 of the sidewall 221.The cap holder 230 could be made from a rigid or semi-rigid material,such as high-density polyethylene, or any other suitable material.

In this embodiment, the antiseptic cap 210 includes an angled bottomsurface 217. The angle formed by the bottom surface 217 of theantiseptic cap 210 could be the same as the angle formed by the annularflange 236 of the cap holder 230, or it could be different. In oneembodiment, the angle formed by the bottom surface 217 of the antisepticcap 210 is between one to eighty-nine degrees relative to a horizontalaxis H. The angled bottom surface 217 can be angled such that one end254 of the sidewall 256 is sloped with respect to an opposite end 258 ofthe sidewall 256. The one end 254 is at a different height or horizontallevel than the opposite end 258. The one bottom end 254 of the sidewall256 is sized to engage a surface of the injection site 14 at a firsthorizontal level, and the opposite bottom end 258 is sized to engageanother surface of the injection site 14 at a second horizontal levelwith respect to the first horizontal level.

The antiseptic cap 210 could include finger gripping areas, such as aplurality of indentations 215 along a surface 219 of the antiseptic cap210. The indentations 215 could be configured for gripping theantiseptic cap 210 to facilitate removal of the antiseptic cap 210 fromthe injection site 12.

The angled annular flange 236 of the cap holder 230 and the angledbottom surface 217 of the antiseptic cap 210 allow for compatibilitywith various injection sites, such as the ‘Y’ connector injection siteand the ‘T’ connector injection site, as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cap holder 230 could be sealed with a material,such as a lid 250, which could be formed of a foil material, or a lidstock material, which can be applied to the annular flange of the capholder by any suitable method such as by adhesive or by conductive orinductive heat sealing techniques. A pull tab 252 could be provided tofacilitate removal of the lid 250 to provide access to the antisepticcap 210.

The cap holder 230 could be used to aseptically apply the antiseptic cap210 to an injection site. The cap holder 230 and the lid 250 cover andprotect the antiseptic cap 210 to provide a sterile barrier.

The cap holder 230 could be configured to be removably attached to theantiseptic cap 210. For example, the cap holder 230 could be removedfrom the antiseptic cap 210 after the cap assembly 200 engages theinjection site 12. Alternatively, the cap holder 230 could remain on theinjection site 12 after the cap assembly 200 engages the injection site12. As another alternative, a user may remove the antiseptic cap 210from the cap holder 230 and then apply the antiseptic cap 210 to aninjection site 12.

FIGS. 4A-4E are cross-sectional views of the antiseptic cap assembly 210engaged to various types of injection sites. The angled annular flangeof the cap holder and the angled bottom surface of the antiseptic capallow the antiseptic cap 210 to attach to a conventional injection site17 (as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B), the ‘T’ site connector 19 (as shown inFIG. 4C), and the ‘Y’ site connector 14 (as shown in FIG. 4D). Further,the cap 210 could be applied to an injection manifold 21 (as shown inFIG. 4E), which includes a plurality of injection sites. The antisepticcap 210 is sized so that there is sufficient space for an antiseptic cap210 to be applied to each injection site of the manifold 21. Thesidewall 126 has one bottom end 135 and an opposite bottom end 137defined by the undercut 111.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a cap assembly, generally indicatedas 300. The cap assembly 300 operates and is constructed in mannersconsistent with the cap assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3, unless statedotherwise. The cap assembly 300 includes a cap holder 330, an antisepticcap 310 sized to be positioned within the cap holder 330, and a lid 350.In this embodiment, the cap holder 330 has a generally planar uppersurface. A user could use an exterior surface 311 of the cap holder 330to apply the cap 310 to an injection site.

FIGS. 6A-6B show another embodiment of a cap assembly, generallyindicated as 400. The cap assembly 400 operates and is constructed inmanners consistent with the cap assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3, unlessstated otherwise. A bottom surface 438 of a flange 436 of the cap holder430 is partially angled such that the bottom surface 438 is split into aflat portion 431 and an angled portion 433. Likewise, a bottom surface417 of the antiseptic cap 410 is partially angled such that the bottomsurface 417 is split into a flat portion 419 and an angled portion 421.The partially angled flange 436 of the cap holder 430 and the partiallyangled bottom surface 417 of the antiseptic cap 410 allow forcompatibility with various injection sites, such as the ‘Y’ connectorinjection site and the ‘T’ connector injection site.

FIGS. 7A-7B show another embodiment of a cap assembly, generallyindicated as 500. The cap assembly 500 operates and is constructed inmanners consistent with the cap assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3, unlessstated otherwise. The cap assembly 500 includes an antiseptic cap 510, acap holder 530, and a lid 550.

The antiseptic cap 510 could include a top portion 513, a bottom portion517, and a plurality of flanges 515 located between the top portion 513and the bottom portion 517. The top portion 513 includes a generallyellipsoid-shaped sidewall 519 extending from the flanges 515. Thegenerally ellipsoid-shaped sidewall 519 tapers (becomes smaller)upwardly and in a direction away from the flanges 515. The sidewall 519defines a cavity 525 (FIGS. 7B-7C) to allow the sidewall 519 to becompressible, and facilitates gripping and removal of the antiseptic cap510. The cap 510 could include an internal wall or protrusion 527 (FIGS.7B-7C) extending downwardly into the cavity 525. When the antiseptic cap510 engages the injection site 14, the absorbent material 512 compressesbetween the internal wall 527 and the top of the injection site 14. Theantiseptic cap 510 could include finger grips 521 on an outer surface ofthe top portion 513.

The bottom portion 517 includes a sidewall 555 defining a chamber 561with an annular retention protrusion 526 protruding from an edge 528 ofan internal surface of the sidewall 555. The annular retentionprotrusion 526 is sized to mate against a bottom of the septum 24 andserves to retain the antiseptic cap 510 against the septum 24. The cap510 could further include an undercut 511 defining a channel formed inthe sidewall 555. The channel 511 allows for application to the ‘Y’connector injection site and to the ‘T’ connector injection site. Theantiseptic cap 510 could include a sealing blade 523 extending inwardly,and distally, from an internal surface of the sidewall 555. In oneembodiment, the sealing blade 523 extends radially inwardly.

The cap holder 530 could include a sidewall 557 defining a chamber 532sized to receive the sidewall 555 of the cap 510, a fin 534 extendingfrom a bottom closed surface 559, and a flange 536 defining an open endinto the chamber 532. Additionally, the cap holder 530 could include anaxial protrusion 535 shaped to correspond to the chamber 561 of theantiseptic cap 510 to prevent deformation of the antiseptic cap 510, andto maintain the antiseptic solution in the antiseptic material 512. Thecap holder 530 is sized to receive the sidewall 555 of the antisepticcap 510 such that the channel formed in the sidewall 555 is situatedover the axial protrusion 535.

When the antiseptic cap 510 is engaged to the cap holder 530, thesealing blade 523 is positioned between the sponge 512 (FIGS. 7B-7C) andthe protrusion 535 formed in the cap holder 530. In this position, theinternal sealing blade 523 serves to assist with retaining the sponge512 in the cap 510 prior to engagement with an injection site 14. Thesealing blade 523 also assists with maintaining the sponge 512 inposition when the antiseptic cap 510 is engaged to the injection site.The sealing blade 523 provides constricting pressure against theexternal surface of the injection site 14 to secure the cap 510 to theinjection site 14. The sealing blade 523 could be formed at any locationalong the length of the antiseptic cap 510 and could be a continuous orinterrupted interior annular protrusion. While one sealing blade 523 isshown, it will be understood that the number of sealing blades, and theorientation thereof, could vary. The sealing blade 523 could be madefrom a flexible material or any other suitable material.

The lid 550 includes a generally ellipsoid-shaped outer wall 563defining a chamber 551 sized to accommodate the sidewall 519 of the cap510. The generally ellipsoid-shaped outer wall 563 tapers (becomessmaller) upwardly. The shape of the lid 550 is generally complimentaryto the shape of the sidewall 519 of the antiseptic cap 510. The lid 550further includes a flange 553 which can be applied to the flange 536 ofthe cap holder 530, and a tab 552 for removal of the lid 550. The lid550 and the cap holder 530 cooperate to seal the antiseptic cap 510within the cap holder 530.

FIGS. 8A-8C show another embodiment of a cap assembly, generallyindicated as 600. The cap assembly 600 operates and is constructed inmanners consistent with the cap assembly 500 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C,unless stated otherwise. The cap assembly 600 includes an antiseptic cap610, a cap holder 630, and a lid 650.

Like the cap 510, the cap 610 could include engagement protrusions 613,an undercut 611 formed in the sidewall 651, and a sealing blade 623.Additionally, the cap 610 includes diametrically opposed gripprotrusions 629 to assist a user in removal of the antiseptic cap 610from the cap holder 630.

The cap holder 630 includes a flange 638, which could be pliable, withrecesses 637 to accommodate the grip protrusions 629 of the antisepticcap 610. The flange 638 assists a user in removing the antiseptic cap610 from the cap holder 630. Like the cap holder 530, the cap holder 630includes an axial protrusion 635 (FIG. 8B) shaped to correspond to thechamber 614 of the antiseptic cap 610 to retain the antiseptic material612 in place, and to retain the antiseptic solution in the antisepticmaterial 612.

FIGS. 9A-9C show another embodiment of a cap assembly, generallyindicated as 700. The cap assembly 700 operates and is constructed inmanners consistent with the cap assembly 600 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C,unless stated otherwise. The cap assembly 700 includes an antiseptic cap710, a cap holder 730, and a lid 750.

Like the antiseptic cap 610, the cap 710 comprises engagementprotrusions 713, finger grips 715, and a sealing blade 723, as well astwo diametrically opposed undercuts 711 defining two channels formed ina sidewall 761 and two legs 763, 765 extending from the sidewall 761.The sealing blade 723 (FIG. 9B) extends distally from an internalsurface of the sidewall 761. It will be understood that more than onesealing blade 723 could be provided. The channels allow for applicationto the ‘Y’ connector injection site and to the ‘T’ connector injectionsite.

The cap holder 730 includes two outer legs 767, 769 and an internalprotrusion 771 forming chambers 773, 775 within the two outer legs 767,769. The chambers 773, 775 are sized to accommodate the legs 763, 765 ofthe antiseptic cap 710. The central chamber 732 of the cap holder 730has a shallow depth to facilitate easy removal of the cap 710 from thecap holder 730. The lid 750 has a chamber 751 and is shaped toaccommodate the shape of the cap 710 and to seal the cap 710 within thecap holder 730. The protrusion 771 can contact and form a seal forretaining antiseptic material within the antiseptic cap 710.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a cap assembly, generally indicatedas 800. The cap assembly 800 operates and is constructed in mannersconsistent with the cap assembly 700 shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, unless statedotherwise. Here, the cap assembly 800 has a packaging configurationhaving a chamber 832 of the cap holder 830 with a depth comparable tothe height of the antiseptic cap 810, and the cap 810 could be sealedtherein by a lid 850 of foil or other flat material.

FIGS. 11A-11B show another embodiment of an antiseptic cap, generallyindicated as 910. The antiseptic cap 910 includes a generallycylindrical wall 913, a central outer wall 915, and three undercuts 911extending from the central outer wall 915. The undercuts 911 definethree channels and three legs 917, 919, 921. The undercuts 911 allow forcompatibility with INTERLINK valve types, such as the ‘Y’ connectorinjection site and the ‘T’ connector injection site. The antiseptic cap910 could include gripping areas, such as a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced ribs 941 extending radially outwardly andaxially along a peripheral surface of the generally cylindrical wall 913of the cap 910. The cap 910 includes a sealing blade 923 extendingproximally from an internal surface of the cap 910. The sealing blade923 extends radially inwardly toward the center of the antiseptic cap910. When the antiseptic cap 910 is engaged to an injection site, thesealing blade 923 is positioned between the sponge 512 and the top ofthe injection site 14.

FIGS. 11C-11D show another embodiment of an antiseptic cap, generallyindicated as 1010. The antiseptic cap 1010 operates and is constructedin manners consistent with the antiseptic cap 910 shown in FIGS.11A-11B, unless stated otherwise. Here, the sealing blade 1023 of theantiseptic cap 1010 is positioned such that the sealing blade 1023extends proximally away from the center of the cap 1010. When theantiseptic cap 1010 is engaged to an injection site, the sealing blade1023 is positioned adjacent the side of the injection site.

FIGS. 11E-11F show another embodiment of an antiseptic cap, generallyindicated as 1110. The antiseptic cap 1110 operates and is constructedin manners consistent with the antiseptic cap 910 shown in FIGS.11A-11B, unless stated otherwise. The antiseptic cap includes a grippingarea, such as a circumferentially spaced axial finger grip 1129extending radially outwardly from an edge 1113 of a sidewall 1111 of thecap 1110. The finger grip 1129 could be hollow and compressible, therebyfacilitating gripping for application and removal of the cap 1110. Itwill be understood that more than one axial finger grip 1129 could beprovided and that the finger grip 1129 could be solid.

The antiseptic cap 1110 includes sealing blades 1115 extending from aninternal surface of the legs 1117, 1119, 1121. The sealing blades 1115extend proximally and radially inwardly toward the center of the cap1110. When the antiseptic cap 1110 is engaged to an injection site, thesealing blades 1115 are positioned against a sidewall of the injectionsite. The sealing blades 1115 maintain antiseptic volume on the entiretop surface of an injection site, including the septum.

FIGS. 12A-12B show another embodiment of an antiseptic cap, generallyindicated as 1210. The antiseptic cap 1210 operates and is constructedin manners consistent with the antiseptic cap 1110 shown in FIGS.11E-11F, unless stated otherwise. The antiseptic cap includes a grippingarea, such as a solid annular protrusion 1229 extending radiallyoutwardly from a top surface 1211. The annular protrusion 1229facilitates removal of the cap 1210 by providing a gripping surface fora user to pull up and remove the cap 1210 from an injection site, and anincreased top surface by which to push down and apply the cap 1210 to aninjection site. The antiseptic cap 1210 includes a sealing blade 1223extending from an internal surface of the cap 1210. It will beunderstood that the protrusion 1229 could be hollow.

FIGS. 13A-13C show another embodiment of an antiseptic cap, generallyindicated as 1310. The cap 1310 includes a sidewall 1317 that has asection 1319 extending toward a bottom surface 1331. The sidewall 1317includes a plurality of squeeze grips 1315 on a section 1319 and aplurality of squeeze grips 1325 on an opposite section 1327 of thesidewall 1317. The sidewall 1317 defines a chamber 1329.

The antiseptic cap 1310 includes an undercut 1311 (FIG. 13C) defining achannel in the bottom edge 1331. Two diametrically opposed engagementprotrusions 1313, 1333 extend from the bottom edge 1331 into the chamber1329. It will be understood that the number of squeeze grips andengagement protrusions could vary.

When a radial force is applied to the squeeze grips 1315, 1325, the cap1310 temporarily deforms into a generally oval shape so that thedistance between the engagement protrusions 1313, 1333 increases until auser is able to apply, or remove, the cap 1310 from the injection site.Upon application and release of the cap 1310, the distance between theengagement protrusions 1313, 1333 decreases to secure the cap 1310 tothe injection site.

FIGS. 14A-14C show another embodiment of an antiseptic cap, generallyindicated as 1410. The cap 1410 includes a sidewall 1421 that hasplurality of squeeze grips 1415 on one section 1423 of the sidewall 1421and a plurality of squeeze grips 1425 on an opposite section 1427 of thesidewall 1421. The sidewall 1421 defines a chamber 1429.

The cap 1410 could include three engagement protrusions 1413, 1433, 1443that extend from the bottom edge 1445 into the chamber 1429. Theprotrusions 1413, 1433, 1443 are approximately radially evenly spacedand one of the protrusions 1413 is opposite an undercut 1411 defining achannel formed in the sidewall 1421. While one of the protrusions 1413has a trapezoidal shape and two of the protrusions 1433, 1443 have atriangular shape, each of the protrusions 1413, 1433, 1443 could be ofvarying sizes or the same size. When a radial force is applied at eachof the squeeze grips 1415, 1425, the resulting deformation of the cap1410 results in the distance between the engagement protrusions 1413,1433, 1443 changing sufficiently to allow application or removal of thecap 1410 from an injection site. In one embodiment, one or more of theprotrusions 1413, 1433, 1443 are not movable. It will be understood thatthe number of squeeze grips and engagement protrusions could vary.

FIGS. 15A-15C show packaging that could be used in connection with theantiseptic cap 910 (FIGS. 11A-11B), 1010 (FIGS. 11C-11D), 1110 (FIGS.11E-11F), 1210 (FIGS. 12A-12B), 1310 (FIGS. 13A-13C), and 1410 (FIGS.14A-14C). It will be understood that the packaging shown in FIGS.15A-15C could be used in connection with other types of antiseptic caps.

FIGS. 15A-15B show a cap assembly 1500 that includes a cap 1510, a capholder 1530 and a lid 1550. The cap holder 1530 has a generallyaccordion shape. In particular, the cap holder 1530 has a bellowssection 1511 and a concave-shaped wall 1513 extending from the bellowssection 1511. The bellows section 1511 is sized to compress when theantiseptic cap 1510 is applied to an injection site. The cap holder 1530allows the cap 1510 to be applied aseptically. While the cap holder 1530could be made from any suitable material, the cap holder 1530 ispreferably made from a thermofoam material, a soft material, a flexiblematerial, such as low density polyethylene, a thermoplastic elastomer,silicone, rubber, etc. The cap holder 1530 could be liquid-injectedmolded, blow-molded, etc. In one embodiment, the cap holder 1530 istransparent.

Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 15C, the cap assembly 1600 includesa cap 1610 and a breakable cap holder 1630. The cap holder 1630 has atop housing portion 1611, a bottom housing portion 1613 removably andsealably attached to the top housing portion 1611, and a clamp-likehandle 1615 separating the top housing portion 1611 and the bottomhousing portion 1613. The top housing portion 1611 and the bottomhousing portion 1613 cooperate to seal the cap 1610 within the capholder 1630. Once the bottom housing portion 1613 is removed, the tophousing portion 1611 of the cap holder 1630 could be used to asepticallyapply the cap 1610 to the injection site.

FIGS. 16A-16B show an antiseptic cap 1710 with an ‘H’ clip 1760 havingtwo pivotable side portions 1762, 1764 and a hinge section 1768connecting the two side portions 1762, 1764. The side portion 1762 has atop portion 1711 and a bottom portion 1713 with an engagement protrusion1715, and likewise, the side portion 1764 has a top portion 1717 and abottom portion 1719 with an engagement protrusion 1721. The bottomportions 1713, 1719 are sized to move apart from each other by pivotingabout hinges 1768 when the top portions 1711, 1717 are squeezed againsteach other. The ‘H’ clip 1760 could be made from polypropylene andpolycarbonate, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the‘H’ clip 1760 could be made from a harder material than the antisepticcap. The ‘H’ clip 1760 could be removable from the cap 1710. The cap1710 includes an indentation 1723 for securing the hinge section 1768.The hinge section 1768 could be formed from the inherent resilience ofthe ‘H’ clip material or it can be formed as a living hinge orotherwise.

To apply or remove the cap 1710, the top portions 1711, 1717 of the sideportions 1762, 1764 are squeezed causing the bottom portions 1713, 1719to pivot about the hinge section 1768. By pivoting about the hingesection 1768, the engagement protrusions 1715, 1721 of the bottomportions 1713, 1719 move away from each other providing sufficient spaceto remove the cap 1710 from, or apply the cap 1710 to, an injection site14.

FIGS. 17A-17B show another embodiment of an antiseptic cap 1810 with an‘H’ clip 1860. The top portion 1864 of the side portion 1862 of the ‘H’clip 1860 includes a segment 1872, and the top portion 1811 of the sideportion 1813 of the ‘H’ clip 1860 includes a segment 1815 pivotablyconnected to the segment 1872. The segments 1815, 1872 are in a linearposition when force is not applied to the top portions 1811, 1864. Whenthe top portions 1811, 1864 of the ‘H’ clip 1860 are squeezed, the twosegments 1813, 1862 pivot upwardly, allowing the application or removalof the cap 1810 from an injection site. A user can axially push down onthe segments 1815, 1872 to further facilitate application of the cap1810 to the injection site.

There are several options for packaging the cap and the ‘H’ clip shownin FIGS. 16A-16B and the cap and the ‘H’ clip shown in FIGS. 17A-17B. Anexample of packaging is shown in FIG. 18, where the cap holder 1930comprises a lower cylindrical wall 1939 and an upper cylindrical wall1941 having a larger diameter than the diameter of the lower cylindricalwall 1939. The cap holder 1930 could include an annular shelf 1913connecting the lower cylindrical wall 1939 and the upper cylindricalwall 1941, and an axial protrusion 1935, which can retain antisepticwithin the antiseptic cap. The increased diameter of the uppercylindrical wall 1941 of the chamber 1932 provides increased access fora user to remove the cap 1910 from the cap holder 1930 by use of the topportions 1911, 1964 of the ‘H’ clip 1960. In this embodiment, therecould a lid or cover.

Another example of packaging is shown in FIG. 19A, where the lid 2050could be used as an applicator. The lid 2050 includes a cylindricalsidewall 2011 defining a chamber. The sidewall 2011 has a flange 2013protruding from an edge 2015 that defines an open end. The lid 2050could include a substantially flat surface 2017 that defines anopposite, closed end. The chamber has a depth that receives a portion ofthe ‘H’ clip 2060 and the antiseptic cap 2010. As shown in FIG. 19A, auser could push down on the lid 2050, applying force to the ‘H’ clip2060 and thereby engage the antiseptic cap 2010 onto an injection site.

Another example of packaging is shown in FIGS. 19B-19C. A user couldremove the cap 2010 from the cap holder 2030 by the top portions 2054,2064 of the ‘H’ clip 2060. As in previous embodiments, the cap holder2030 could comprise an axial protrusion 2035.

Another example of packaging is shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, where, insteadof a cap holder, the chamber of the cap 2110 with a ‘H’ clip 2160 issealed with a blister pack that includes a lid 2150 having a tab 2152applied directly to the bottom surface of the cap 2110. The blister packserves to maintain the antiseptic volume over the shelf life. The lid2150 can be attached in any manner such as by an adhesive, and can beremoved by peeling it off of the cap 2110.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 21A-21B.Shown is a cap 2210 having a clip 2260 with top portions 2254, 2264 andbottom portions 2274, 2284. The cap 2210 has an indentation 2273 thatserves to prevent the clip 2260 from sliding off past the top 2279 ofthe cap 2210. The clip 2260 has a key 2271 that fits into theindentation 2273 to secure the clip 2260 to the cap 2210.

When the clip 2260 engages the cap, the clip 2260 is positioned suchthat the top portions 2254, 2264 are below the top 2279 of the cap 2210.When the top portions 2254, 2264 of the cap 2260 are squeezed, the cap2210 itself is also squeezed and deforms. This temporary deformationallows the side portions 2262, 2282 to pivot around the hinge 2268 sothat the cap 2210 can be applied to an injection site 12.

FIGS. 22A-22B are cross sectional views of a further embodiment of thepresent invention. The cap 2310 comprises an aperture 2375, anantiseptic laden material 2312 with a cylindrical hole 2316 locatedwithin the cap 2310, and a push pin 2374 in communication with theaperture 2375 and the cylindrical hole 2316. The push pin 2374 includesan enlarged top portion 2376 and an arm 2378 having one end 2311extending from the enlarged top portion 2376, and a tip 2313 at anopposite end 2315. The arm 2378 has a tapered section 2317 that tapers(becomes smaller) toward the tip 2313. An annular protrusion 2380 isprovided on the push pin 2374.

The push pin 2374 is originally provided in a retracted position, wherethe tip 2313 is positioned within the cylindrical hole 2316. The pushpin 2374 can move from the retracted position to an extended position,where the enlarged top portion 2376 is positioned against thesubstantially flat top surface 2319 of the cap 2310.

When the cap 2310 is applied to an injection site 12, as shown in FIG.22A, the user pushes down on an enlarged top portion 2376 of the pin2374. Once the pin 2374 is fully pushed down, as shown in FIG. 22B, thearm 2378 is engaged and inserted through the septum 24, where thetapered section 2317 of the arm 2378 contacts the underside of theseptum 24 to secure the cap 2310 to the injection site 12. Once fullyengaged, the annular protrusion 2380 on the push pin 2374 locks the cap2310 on the injection site. It will be understood that the push pin 2374could be non-movable.

Shown in FIGS. 23A-23B is another embodiment of the present inventionwhere the cap 2410 comprises a sliding ‘H’ clip 2460. The two sides 2462of the ‘H’ clip 2460 are connected by a hinged section 2468, where thecap 2410 comprises an upper section 2411, a lower section 2413, anindentation 2473 between the upper section 2411 and the lower section2413. The indentation 2473 has a diameter less than the diameter of theupper section 2411 and the lower section 2413, and the indentation 2473is slightly less in diameter than the diameter of the hinged section2468 of the ‘H’ clip 2460. The cap 2410 is applied to an injection site12, as shown in FIG. 23A, with the ‘H’ clip 2460 at the top of theindentation 2473 of the cap 2410 and the side portions 2462 flared outover the injection site 12. When the ‘H’ clip 2460 is pushed down on thecap 2410, as shown in FIG. 23B, the ‘H’ clip 2460 slides down theindentation 2473 of the cap 2410 until the hinge section 2468 is incontact with the lower section 2413. In this position, the engagementprotrusions 2470 of the side portions 2462 engage the injection site 12,thereby securing the cap 2410 to the injection site 12. The indentation2473 prevents the ‘H’ clip 2460 from sliding off the top or bottom ofthe cap 2410.

Shown in FIG. 23C is another variation of the previous embodiment, wherethe side portions 2562 of the cap 2510 rotate in separate parallelplanes, instead of bending, to engage the injection site 21. Inparticular, the side portions 2562 rotate in a direction parallel toeach other, in such a manner to rotate completely. FIG. 23D shows alocking mechanism of the ‘H’ clip 2560 of FIG. 23C. Locking protrusions2561 in the side portions 2562 could be used in conjunction with thegeometry of a groove 2571 in the cap 2510 or the geometry of the hingesection 2511, to lock the side portions 2562, where the side portions2562 would be pulled out and rotated, such as by 180 degrees, beforelocking again.

Shown in FIG. 23E is a further embodiment of the present invention wherethe side portions 2662 of the ‘H’ clip 2660 rotate in the same plane toengage and disengage the cap 2610 from the injection site 12. Inparticular, the side portions 2662 rotate in a manner to only complete apartial rotation.

FIGS. 24A-24C is another embodiment of the present invention. The capassembly 2700 could comprise a lid 2750 and cap holder 2730 having afrangible and removable element 2743. When the frangible element 2743 isremoved by shown by arrows B and C, an undercut 2745 of the cap holder2730 defines a channel to apply an antiseptic cap to an injection site,including a ‘Y’ connector injection site or ‘T’ connector injectionsite. The frangible element 2743 may be attached to the lid 2750 suchthat removing the frangible element 2743 removes the lid 2750 as well.

FIG. 25 is another embodiment showing an ‘H’ clip 2860 attached to thetop of a cap 2810 by a snap-on protrusion 2877, preferably made ofplastic. The cap 2810 also comprises an annular seal 2879 to maintainthe antiseptic solution of the antiseptic material 2812 on the top ofthe septum of an injection site when applied to the injection site. Theantiseptic cap 2810 could be made from a thermoplastic elastomer, suchas the thermoplastic elastomer sold by ExxonMobil under the trademarkSantoprene or any other suitable material.

FIG. 26 is another embodiment showing an ‘H’ clip with two legs 2960, atop 2910, and a hinge 2962.

It should be understood that various features of various embodimentsdisclosed herein could be used together without departing from thespirit or scope of the present invention. It should be understood thatwhile the antiseptic cap is shown in connection with a ‘Y’ connectorinjection site 14 in certain embodiments, the antiseptic cap couldengage other types of injection sites.

The antiseptic cap assembly could be incorporated in kits with flushsyringes, caps for treating a catheter or needleless connector, and lineaccess devices, etc. The antiseptic fluid used could include ananticoagulant material, and/or an antimicrobial material. Examples ofantiseptic fluid that could be used are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/821,190, filed on Jun. 22, 2007, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,167,847, and Ser. No. 12/214,526, filed on Jun. 19, 2008. Theentire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/821,190 and12/214,526 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

It is contemplated that the devices described herein can be coated withan antiseptic coating by any suitable technique such as immersion of thepart into an antiseptic solution, by spray coating the part with theantiseptic solution, by blending the antiseptic solution or materialinto the polymeric material used to fabricate the device.

A quantity of physiological, antimicrobial metal compound is added tothe resin for direct molding of an article. Physiological, antimicrobialmetals are meant to include the precious metals, such as silver, goldand platinum, and copper and zinc. Physiological, antimicrobial metalcompounds used herein include oxides and salts of preferably silver andalso gold, for example: silver acetate, silver benzoate, silvercarbonate, silver citrate, silver chloride, silver iodide, silvernitrate, silver oxide, silver sulfa diazine, silver sulfate, goldchloride and gold oxide. Platinum compounds such as chloroplatinic acidor its salts (e.g., sodium and calcium chloroplatinate) may also beused. Also, compounds of copper and zinc may be used, for example:oxides and salts of copper and zinc such as those indicated above forsilver. Single physiological, antimicrobial metal compounds orcombinations of physiological, antimicrobial metal compounds may beused.

Preferred physiological, antimicrobial metal compounds used in thisinvention are silver acetate, silver oxide, silver sulfate, goldchloride and a combination of silver oxide and gold chloride. Theparticles of the silver compounds are sufficiently able to be extractedto form a zone of inhibition to prevent and kill bacteria growth.

In another preferred form of the invention the devices herein areimpregnated with triclosan and silver compounds or triclosan andchlorhexidine, or chlorhexidine gluconate, or chlorhexidine acetate.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merelyexemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variationsand modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. All such variations and modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An antiseptic cap assembly for a needlelessconnector, comprising: an antiseptic cap including an antiseptic fluidand a sidewall defining a chamber and an opening configured to allow aneedleless connector to access the chamber, the sidewall including abottom surface comprising a first end at a first height and a second endat a second height, the bottom surface further comprising a planarportion extending from the first end and an angular portion extendingfrom the second end in a direction towards the first height, wherein theplanar portion is angled relative to the angular portion, wherein thefirst height is different than the second height, and wherein the firstend is positioned diametrically opposite the second end; and a capholder with a sidewall and a bottom flange having a first end and asecond end, the bottom flange comprising an angular surface extendingfrom the second end of the bottom flange and sloped with respect to thefirst end of the bottom flange, wherein the cap holder is sized toreceive the antiseptic cap.
 2. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 1,wherein the cap holder includes a gripping area extending from a topsurface of the cap holder.
 3. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 2,wherein the gripping area is a wall extending in a vertical directionfrom a central portion of the cap holder.
 4. The antiseptic cap assemblyof claim 1, wherein the bottom flange of the cap holder furthercomprises a flat bottom surface angled relative to the angular surfaceof the bottom flange.
 5. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 1, whereinthe needleless connector comprises a cannula access device.
 6. Theantiseptic cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the first height is greaterthan the second height.
 7. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 6,wherein the antiseptic cap further comprises a retention protrusionincluding an upper surface positioned below the first end of the bottomsurface in a direction of the second end of the bottom surface, theretention protrusion being configured to engage a surface of theneedleless connector.
 8. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 1, whereinan absorbent material is positioned within the chamber and wherein theabsorbent material contains the antiseptic fluid.
 9. The antiseptic capassembly of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the sidewall definesthe opening and at least a portion of the opening is planar.
 10. Theantiseptic cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the antiseptic cap isconfigured for compatibility with a ‘Y’ connector injection site or a‘T’ connector injection site.
 11. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim1, wherein the cap holder is removably attached to the antiseptic cap.12. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the planar portionis angled between 1 to 89 degrees relative to the angular portion. 13.An antiseptic cap assembly for a needleless connector, comprising: anantiseptic cap comprising: an antiseptic fluid; a sidewall; an openingcomprising a first end and a second end, the second end locateddiametrically opposite the first end; an end wall; and a bottom surfaceat the opening, the bottom surface comprising an angled portion locatedbetween the first end of the opening and the second end of the opening,the angled portion extending at a non-orthogonal angle relative to alongitudinal axis of the cap, wherein the sidewall at the first end ofthe opening when measured from the end wall to the opening is greaterthan the sidewall at the second end of the opening; and a cap holderwith a sidewall and a bottom flange having a first end and a second end,the bottom flange comprising an angular surface extending from thesecond end of the bottom flange and sloped with respect to the first endof the bottom flange, wherein the cap holder is sized to receive theantiseptic cap.
 14. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 13 furthercomprising a retention protrusion extending radially inwardly from aninternal surface of the sidewall of the cap, the retention protrusionsized to engage a surface of the needleless connector below a septum.15. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 14, wherein the retentionprotrusion includes an upper surface positioned at a location proximalfrom the first end of the opening of the opening in a direction of thesecond end.
 16. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 13, wherein theneedleless connector comprises a cannula access device.
 17. Theantiseptic cap assembly of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of theopening is planar.
 18. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 13 furthercomprising a chamber housing an absorbent material that contains theantiseptic fluid.
 19. The antiseptic cap assembly claim 13, wherein thecap is configured for compatibility with a ‘Y’ connector injection siteor a ‘T’ connector injection site.
 20. An antiseptic cap assembly for aneedleless connector, comprising: an antiseptic cap including a sidewalldefining a chamber and an opening configured to allow a needlelessconnector to access the chamber, the sidewall including a bottom surfacecomprising a first end at a first height and a second end at a secondheight, the bottom surface further comprising a planar portion extendingfrom the first end and an angular portion extending directly from thesecond end in a direction towards the first height, wherein the planarportion is angled relative to the angular portion, wherein the firstheight is different than the second height, and wherein the first end ispositioned diametrically opposite the second end; and a cap holder witha sidewall and a bottom flange having a first end and a second end, thebottom flange comprising an angular surface extending from the secondend of the bottom flange and sloped with respect to the first end of thebottom flange, wherein the cap holder is sized to receive the antisepticcap.
 21. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 20, wherein the cap holderincludes a gripping area extending from a top surface of the cap holder.22. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 21, wherein the gripping areais a wall extending in a vertical direction from a central portion ofthe cap holder.
 23. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 20, wherein thecap holder is removably attached to the antiseptic cap.
 24. Theantiseptic cap assembly of claim 20, wherein the bottom flange of thecap holder further comprises a flat bottom surface angled relative tothe angular surface of the bottom flange.
 25. The antiseptic capassembly of claim 20, wherein the needleless connector comprises acannula access device.
 26. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 20,wherein the first height is greater than the second height.
 27. Theantiseptic cap assembly of claim 26, wherein the antiseptic cap furthercomprises a retention protrusion including an upper surface positionedbelow the first end of the bottom surface in a direction of the secondend of the bottom surface, the retention protrusion being configured toengage a surface of the needleless connector.
 28. The antiseptic capassembly of claim 20, wherein an absorbent material is positioned withinthe chamber and wherein the absorbent material contains an antisepticfluid.
 29. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 20, wherein the bottomsurface of the sidewall defines the opening and at least a portion ofthe opening is planar.
 30. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 20,wherein the antiseptic cap is configured for compatibility with a ‘Y’connector injection site or a ‘T’ connector injection site.
 31. Theantiseptic cap assembly of claim 20, wherein the planar portion isangled between 1 to 89 degrees relative to the angular portion.
 32. Anantiseptic cap assembly for a needleless connector, comprising: anantiseptic cap comprising: a sidewall; an opening comprising a first endand a second end, the second end located diametrically opposite thefirst end; an end wall; and a bottom surface at the opening, the bottomsurface comprising an angled portion located between the first end ofthe opening and the second end of the opening and extending directlyfrom the second end, the angled portion extending at a non-orthogonalangle relative to a longitudinal axis of the cap, wherein the sidewallat the first end of the opening when measured from the end wall to theopening is greater than the sidewall at the second end of the opening;and a cap holder with a sidewall and a bottom flange having a first endand a second end, the bottom flange comprising an angular surfaceextending from the second end of the bottom flange and sloped withrespect to the first end of the bottom flange, wherein the cap holder issized to receive the antiseptic cap.
 33. The antiseptic cap assembly ofclaim 32 further comprising a retention protrusion extending radiallyinwardly from an internal surface of the sidewall of the cap, theretention protrusion sized to engage a surface of the needlelessconnector below a septum.
 34. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 33,wherein the retention protrusion includes an upper surface positioned ata location proximal from the first end of the opening in a direction ofthe second end of the opening.
 35. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim32, wherein the needleless connector comprises a cannula access device.36. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 32, wherein at least a portionof the opening is planar.
 37. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 32further comprising a chamber housing an absorbent material that containsan antiseptic fluid.
 38. The antiseptic cap assembly of claim 32,wherein the cap is configured for compatibility with a ‘Y’ connectorinjection site or a ‘T’ connector injection site.